Summary
Among the least populated states in the United States, North Dakota features a predominantly flat terrain, sharing its northern border with Canada, while the Red River of the North delineates its eastern boundary. The southwestern region encompasses both the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, celebrated for its unique buttes and hills, particularly its highest elevation, White Butte.
Overall, North Dakota exhibits considerable geographical variety, fostering substantial biodiversity that encompasses nearly 2,000 plant species. The Missouri River traverses the western region, giving rise to several lakes, with others scattered throughout the state that exhibit varying sizes and depths. For those visiting the Peace Garden State, this article highlights the 15 premier lakes in North Dakota.
1. Devils Lake; Ramsey & Benson counties
As the largest natural lake in North Dakota, Devils Lake rests at an elevation of 443.24 meters above sea level in the northeastern part of the state. The lake is renowned for its fluctuation in water levels, varying from a shallow expanse to a maximum depth of 18 meters during periods of substantial rainfall.
Devils Lake serves as a prominent recreational hub, drawing both domestic and international visitors. It is home to Grahams Island State Park and Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, while the Spirit Lake Reservation resides on the southern shore.
The primary attraction here is the exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for perch. Anglers can access boat ramps; however, a variety of recreational pursuits are also available, including camping, picnicking, and boating. In winter, the lake transforms into a venue for ice fishing.
2. Lake Sakakawea; Dunn, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Mountrail & Williams counties
Spanning 124 hectares, Lake Sakakawea is the largest artificial lake in North Dakota and ranks as the third largest in the nation. It extends for 286 kilometers and traverses six counties in central North Dakota.
Situated along the Missouri River approximately 80 kilometers from the capital, Bismarck, the lake’s expansive 2,120-kilometer shoreline offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
Lake Sakakawea is encompassed by parks, wildlife management zones, refuges, and recreational areas. Fishing, boating, and camping are the predominant activities, complemented by designated picnic spots, swimming beaches, and hiking trails.
3. Lake Oahe; Emmons, Sioux, Morton & Burleigh counties
This lake, which extends for 372 kilometers, crosses into South Dakota and spans a total of eight counties, including five within North Dakota. Lake Oahe is positioned along the Missouri River and stands as the fourth largest reservoir in the United States.
Each year, more than 1.5 million visitors explore the lake, enjoying one of its 51 recreational areas, many of which are located in North Dakota. Numerous recreation areas feature boat ramps, camping sites, marinas, picnic spots, and hiking paths.
Visitors to Lake Oahe appreciate its exceptional fishing opportunities, which include species such as walleye, channel catfish, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Additionally, the lake offers options for water skiing, swimming, and various other water sports.
4. Stump Lake; Nelson County
This naturally occurring lake, located just east of Devils Lake, features the Old Settler’s Pavilion, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Stump Lake spans over 6,370 hectares and boasts a shoreline of nearly 117 kilometers.
As a closed lake, it receives water exclusively through rainfall and human activity, resulting in variable depths throughout the year. Different activities can be pursued at various times during the year based on water levels.
Stump Lake Park is situated along the southeastern shoreline, providing a multitude of activities year-round. In the warmer months, activities include fishing, camping, hiking, water skiing, and numerous other water sports, while winter offers skating opportunities.
5. Red Willow Lake; Griggs County
Red Willow Lake is a naturally occurring body of water located in the eastern region of the state near the town of Binford. Covering an area of 60 hectares, the lake has served as a recreational site since 1882, appealing to both domestic and international tourists.
The lake is bordered by a 4.5-kilometer shoreline that accommodates campsites and resorts, including the family-owned Red Willow Lake Resort. This resort, situated at the historic recreation area site, has hosted numerous events over the years.
Visitors may find a swimming beach, boat ramp, and fishing pier at the resort, alongside paddleboat and boat rentals. The closed lake is surrounded by trees and greenery, with camping options exclusively available at Red Willow Lake Resort.
6. Lake Upsilon; Rolette County
This picturesque Y-shaped lake, positioned in northern North Dakota near the Canadian border, is found just north of 106 Street NE. It is a tranquil, secluded body of water set in the Turtle Mountains, providing a wonderful locale for various recreational activities.
Lake Upsilon attracts anglers seeking bluegill, walleye, crappie, trout, and northern pike. Moreover, it is a favored destination for leisurely pontoon rides, swimming, jet skiing, and water skiing.
Families have frequently visited this lake over generations to revel in its peaceful ambiance, natural beauty, and diverse activities. Positioned at the southern tip of the 170-hectare lake, Lion Park offers camping and fishing opportunities, alongside a boat ramp.
7. Harker Lake; Kidder County
Harker Lake is a shallow glacial lake located approximately five kilometers southeast of Dawson, North Dakota. This lake is entirely encircled by the Slade National Wildlife Refuge, which comprises wetlands and marshes.
Situated at an elevation of 529 meters above sea level, the lake can be accessed via Highway 3, though entry may be constrained due to marshy conditions. However, this should not discourage visitors from enjoying the scenic beauty and wildlife.
Waterfowl such as Canada geese, snow geese, mallards, ring-necked pheasants, and sharp-tailed grouse can be observed at Harker Lake for around nine months of the year. The area is also inhabited by coyotes and white-tailed deer.
8. Lake Isabel; Kidder County
Situated just south of Harker Lake, Lake Isabel is easily accessible thanks to its entire western shoreline bordering Highway 3. The lake measures 330 hectares and features a shoreline exceeding six kilometers, with the Slade National Wildlife Refuge lying along its northern edge.
The maximum depth of Lake Isabel is approximately four meters, making it an ideal location for fishing for northern pike and yellow perch. A boat ramp is available along the northern shoreline, and a special needs camp is located at the southeast corner of the lake.
Lake Isabel remains open year-round, offering camping facilities on its northern end within the Slade National Wildlife Refuge. This free campground includes a picnic area, although amenities are quite limited. Visitors seeking more comfortable accommodations may choose to rent a home along the lake’s shore or stay at the nearby Dakota Outback Cottages.
9. Homme Lake; Walsh County
Homme Lake is an artificial lake situated just west of Park River in northeastern North Dakota. It is named in honor of Mr. HG Homme, a notable local real estate investor and businessman.
The lake was formed by damming the South Branch of the Park River and is best appreciated from the Spillway Overlook located on its eastern shoreline. Homme Lake offers easy accessibility, owing to its proximity to Highway 17, consequently making it a favored destination for both residents and visitors.
Anglers are drawn to Homme Lake for its plentiful walleye, northern pike, and crappie. Additionally, a recreation area along the southern shoreline provides opportunities for various water sports, along with campsites and a children’s playground.
10. Lake Alice; Ramsey & Towner Counties
Positioned just north of Devils Lake, Lake Alice is part of the Lake Alice National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1935, the refuge was originally privately owned but is now governed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, allowing public access.
The primary draw to Lake Alice lies in fishing opportunities; however, it is also an ideal location for wildlife observation, particularly waterfowl. Ice fishing is permitted in designated areas, which are clearly marked.
Camping is prohibited, and boats are permitted only in designated portions of the lake. Lake Alice is conveniently accessible, situated directly off U.S. Highway 2 and U.S. Highway 281.
11. Lake Metigoshe; Bottineau County
Lake Metigoshe is situated within the Turtle Mountains at the extreme northern border of North Dakota, adjacent to the Canadian province of Manitoba. The lake derives its name from the Chippewa word meaning ‘clear water’ due to its transparency and surrounding oak trees.
This scenic lake provides a plethora of recreational options, particularly from Lake Metigoshe State Park. Located at the northeast corner, the park attracts visitors for its fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and camping facilities.
Furthermore, Lake Metigoshe is renowned for its hiking and cycling trails that encompass its shoreline. The site remains accessible during winter months, enabling visitors to engage in cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice fishing, and skating.
12. Long Lake; Burleigh & Kidder counties
Long Lake is entirely encompassed within the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, positioned east of Highway 83 and south of Interstate 94. The bird refuge, established in 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, offers a serene environment.
This shallow lake stretches across two counties in North Dakota, reaching a length of 29 kilometers. Birdwatchers are drawn to Long Lake to observe migratory and nesting waterfowl species, as well as rare migrant birds, highlighted by its designation as a Globally Important Bird Area in 2001.
Spanning 6,475 hectares, the lake was formed during the last ice age and hosts over 20,000 shorebirds annually, making it a recognized site within the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN).
13. Lake Darling; Renville County
Situated in northern North Dakota, not far from the Canadian border, Lake Darling is a visually appealing body of water nestled along the Souris River and forms the principal feature of the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.
Lake Darling emerged following the damming of the river and earned its name from the American cartoonist Ding Darling. The lake and refuge have been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area, attracting birdwatchers from around the globe.
There are three designated boat access points surrounding the lake, alongside picnic areas and a visitor center. Several designated canoe routes are also available; however, water skiing, swimming, and jet skiing are restricted to protect the bird populations.
14. Jamestown Reservoir; Stutsman County
With a total of 72 kilometers of shoreline, seven boat launches, and two marinas, it is no surprise that Jamestown Reservoir stands out as a premier recreational area. Covering 1,008 hectares, the lake includes a stocked fishing pond, a children’s playground, a modern campground, and concessions.
Jamestown Reservoir also offers swimming beaches, walking and cycling trails, and a world-class disc golf course. During winter, visitors can partake in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing pursuits.
Fishing remains popular here, as the lake is home to an array of species including walleye, pike, bluegill, crappie, musky, smallmouth bass, and bullhead.
15. Lake Tewaukon; Sargent County
This 792-hectare lake is located in the southern part of North Dakota within the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge. Lake Tewaukon features a 13.6-kilometer shoreline, predominantly surrounded by a roadway that provides stunning vistas of the lake.
Each year, over 245 bird species frequent the lake, attracting birdwatchers from around the globe. Moreover, various species, including ducks, geese, swans, pelicans, herons, and cormorants, utilize the wetlands for nesting and resting during migration.
Numerous other wildlife inhabit the tall grasses surrounding the lake, including muskrats, red foxes, minks, coyotes, and badgers. Lake Tewaukon permits fishing, allowing anglers to catch northern pike, perch, walleye, and bullheads.
